Coupling for medical fluids

ABSTRACT

A coupling apparatus includes a first component having a first non-mechanical valve, a second component having a second non-mechanical valve, and a third component having a first end for coupling with the first valve and a second end for coupling with the second valve. The third component has an elongated bore such that when the first end is coupled to the first valve and the second end is coupled to the second valve, a passageway is defined therethrough. The coupling apparatus includes a breakaway portion disposed between the third component and the second component and the first and second valves automatically close when the second and third components are separated from one another.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/192,630, filed Jul. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,974,437, which ishereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to a breakaway coupling for use with medicalfluids. In particular, this disclosure concerns a breakaway couplingthat uses valves to seal both ends of a coupling when the coupling isdisconnected.

BACKGROUND

Feedset couplings are presently used in feeding tubes in order toconnect a supply source with a feeding tube. Feedset couplings typicallyinclude a male adapter that mates with a female receptacle. Many suchcouplings do not include integrated automatic shut off valves. When acoupling becomes accidentally disconnected, such as when incidentaltension is applied to the feeding system, the tube feeding can continueflowing uninterrupted from the supply source. Additionally, contentsfrom the patient's gastrointestinal tract can backflow uninterruptedfrom the patient. This leads to a number of problems, such as loss oftube feeding, loss of medication, loss of time in getting the necessarydaily amount of calories into a patient, compromised patient health,clean up, poor sleeping due to wetness and hunger, and potentiallypatient aspiration on the spilled tube feeding.

Some supply systems include alarms that signal when a feeding set is“free flowing.” However, these alarm systems only work if the feedingset becomes disconnected from the pump, not if the coupling becomesdisconnected. Some manufacturers have tried to prevent the feedsetcoupling from becoming disconnected. These devices can cause the feedingtube to be dislodged from the patient entirely, leading to additionalproblems.

SUMMARY

An example coupling is claimed and described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a first example coupling in use in connection with afeeding set;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the female components of thefirst example coupling;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the female components of the examplecoupling of FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of several of the male componentsof the first example coupling;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the male components of the examplecoupling of FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an assembled first example coupling thatincorporates the male and female components of FIGS. 3 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the male and femalecomponents of the first example coupling in a fully disconnectedconfiguration;

FIG. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the first examplecoupling in a partially engaged configuration;

FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the first examplecoupling in a further engaged configuration;

FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the first examplecoupling in a fully engaged configuration;

FIG. 11 is an end view of the first example coupling in a fully engagedconfiguration showing the through flow passageway;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the female components of asecond example coupling;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the female components of the secondexample coupling in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of several of the malecomponents of the second example coupling;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the male component of the secondexample coupling in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the male and female components of thesecond example coupling in an unassembled configuration;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the second examplecoupling, as shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the second example coupling in anassembled configuration;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the second examplecoupling, as shown in FIG. 18; and

FIG. 20 is an end view of the example coupling of FIG. 18 showing thethrough passageway when in an assembled configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An example coupling device 10 is an automatic shutoff breakaway couplingfor a medical fluid delivery system 12. The example coupling device 10may be used with any type of fluid delivery, such as food delivery,medication delivery, or the like. For example, the coupling 10 can beused for intravenous and arterial lines, dialysis connections, Foleycatheter connections, chest tubes, or any other type of liquid, gas, orvacuum connection used for patient care. The coupling device 10 includesa female component 14 and a male component 16, with a breakawayconnection 18 provided between the two components 14, 16. The housings,couplings, or other parts, as described in further detail below, can becolor coded for different uses and the dimensions of the breakawayconnections can be varied in order to prevent misconnections. While thedescription below is primarily directed to the feeding system 12context, it should be readily recognized that the description isapplicable to other systems, the invention not being limited to aparticular application.

The example coupling 10 has the ability to automatically eliminate flowfrom both free ends of the coupling 10 when it becomes disconnected.Flow from the tube feeding supply source 20 is eliminated when thecoupling 10 becomes disconnected. In addition, backflow from thepatient's gastrointestinal tract 24 is eliminated. This automaticshutoff will act as an occlusion for the feeding pump 22. Since nearlyall feeding pumps 22 have an occlusion sensor, this will alert acaregiver that there is a problem with the feeding system 12. Becauseflow is completely halted through the system 12, the caregiver will knowexactly how much food has and has not been delivered. In addition,because backflow from the patient's system 24 is prevented, this assistsin maintaining a patient's feeding schedule and prevents soiling of theclothes, bed and room.

The example coupling device 10 is inexpensive, disposable, small, easyto clean and quick to install. It is easy to use and the mated couplingsdisconnect at forces below that which would dislodge a feeding tube froma patient. The construction of the couplings 10 allows for easysterilization. The flow path 26 through the coupling 10 is a straightpath, which allows the coupling device 10 to be used with thicker fluidsand prevents hemolysis of blood cells if blood is used as the transfermedia. In addition, at least one example of the coupling 10 does notinclude any materials that could break down or corrode with repeateduses and washings, such as springs.

The amount of tension necessary to break the coupling 10 can be variedbased upon the application. For example, if the coupling device 10 is tobe used in delivering medication through an IV, the force needed toremove the IV might be less than the force needed to remove a feedingtube from a patient's gastrointestinal tract.

The example coupling device 10 includes a male component 16, a femalecomponent 14, and two valves 28, 30. A first valve 28 is positioned atan end of the male component 16 and a second valve 30 is positioned atthe end of the female component 14. The valves 28, 30 arenon-mechanical, self-closing, resilient valves. Examples of valves thatare discussed herein are slit valves and duckbill valves. Any other typeof non-mechanical valve may also be used.

FIG. 1 depicts the example coupling device 10 installed in a feedingsystem 12. The coupling 10 is positioned between the feeding pump 22 andthe patient 24. An example coupling device 10 that is used for thispurpose may be about two inches long. Other lengths and sizes may alsobe used. The size of the coupling device 10 may depend in part on theapplication, among other factors.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the female component 14 of the example coupling 10.As shown in FIG. 2, the female component 14 includes a valve 30 that ishoused in a valve housing 32. A female receptacle addition 34 may beattached to the valve housing 32 via any known means, such as byadhesive or welding, among other know attachment techniques. One type ofwelding that may be utilized in joining these and other parts of thecoupling 10 is ultrasonic welding. The female receptacle addition 34 maybe molded of rigid plastic. The valve housing 32 may be formed from apolycarbonate or a copolyester and may be clear or opaque. The examplevalve housing 32 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is clear and the femalereceptacle addition 34 is opaque. The female receptacle addition 34 andthe valve/valve housing 30, 32 are coupled together to provide a femalecomponent 14. Other types of materials may also be used for the variousparts.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, a silicone slit valve 38 is shown positioned insidethe valve housing 32. The slit valve 38 is positioned axially in thehousing 32. The female receptacle addition 34 seats at the opening ofthe slit valve 38. The slit valve 38 is shown as being flush with theopening to the valve housing 32. The slit valve 38 is normally in aclosed position, but can be opened by pressing an object against theslit 40 in the slit valve 38. When the object is inserted into thevalve, the slit valve 38 automatically self-seals around the object. Inaddition, when the object is removed, the slit valve 38 automaticallyself seals. The slit valve 38 may be made of silicone or othermaterials. When an object is inserted into the slit valve 38, the valvecompresses and this allows the slit 40 to open. The compressed siliconeacts like a spring. When the object is removed, the compressed siliconesprings back to its relaxed state and the slit 40 closes automatically.

The female receptacle addition 34 has an opening in communication withthe opening of the slit valve 38 or valve 30 and serves as a guide foran object to enter the slit valve 38. The female receptacle addition 34also has an adapter 42 at one end for coupling with another part in abreakaway manner. In particular, the adapter 42 includes a rib or lip 44that forms a male connector that may be joined with a female receptacle66. The rib or lip 44 extends around the opening. The rib or lip 44 mayhave a chamfered or rounded edge to assist in insertion into acorresponding female connector.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict parts of the male component 16 of the examplecoupling 10. The male component 16 includes a male housing 46 that isshown formed in two parts. The two parts may be joined together bywelding, adhesive, force fit, snap fit, or other means. A slit valve 28and valve housing 48, like those shown in FIG. 2, are coupled to one endof the male component 16 and a tube 50 of a feed system 12 may becoupled to the end of the valve housing 48. The valve housing 48 iscoupled by any known means, such as welding, adhesive, or threads. Thevalve housing 48 may be made clear or opaque and can be a polycarbonate,a copolyester, or another material.

A floating dual male adapter 52 is elongated and has a central bore 54that extends between the ends thereof in a single channel. The dual maleadapter 52 is positioned and trapped inside the male housing 46 and hasopposite end sections 56, 58 and a center section 60. Each section isseparated by outwardly extending protrusions in the form of shoulders 62that extend radially outwardly around the exterior surface of the dualmale adapter 52. The shoulders 62 prevent the tips at each end 56, 58 ofthe dual male adapter 52 from protruding too deeply into the valves 28,30. If the ends 56, 58 protrude too deeply into the valves 28, 30, thevalves 28, 30 are unable to properly act as a spring to expel theadapter 52 during disconnection. The shoulders 62 on the dual maleadapter 52 also mate with stop 64 inside the male component housing 46to ensure each end of the dual male adapter 52 activates each valve 28,30 equally.

The dual male adapter 52 is positioned inside the male housing 46 sothat a first end 56 of the adapter 52 is in communication with the firstvalve 28 of the male component 16. The male housing 46 has grooves 64for accepting one of the shoulders 62 of the dual male adapter 52 inorder to trap the adapter 52 in the housing 46. The dual male adapter 52is movable longitudinally inside the male component 16. When the dualmale adapter 52 is pressed into the valve 28, the first end of theadapter enters the slit in the valve and provides a straight fluid flowpathway 26 (shown best in FIG. 9) between the interior of the maleadapter 52 and an interior chamber of the valve housing 48. Othernon-straight passageways could be utilized, if desired. The malecomponent 16 of the coupling 10 is shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 shows the dual male adapter 52 positioned in a slit valve 38.The dual male adapter 52 has a bore 54 creating a straight flow path 26through the center thereof and the slit valve 38 forms a tight sealaround the end of the dual male adapter 52

The male housing 46 consists of two pieces that are joined together withthe dual male adapter 52 encased within it. This prevents the dual maleadapter 52 from becoming detached from the assembly during normal use.Female luer lock threads are positioned at the valve end of the malehousing 46 (shown in FIG. 4). These threads allow the caregiver toeasily attach this assembly or remove the assembly from the functionalend of a valve 28. Other types of attachment mechanisms may be used forthe connection, either alone or in combination. The advantage of thisassembly is that it is removable for cleaning purposes. At the other endof the male housing 46 is the female receptacle 66 of the breakaway snapfeature. The design of these snaps can be changed to adjust to differentbreakaway forces. The design of the current snap feature enables the twoends of the coupling 10 to freely rotate without interrupting flow. Thisassists in avoiding tangling of the supply line 50.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the female receptacle addition 34 is bondedto the functional end of the female valve housing 32. The femalecomponent 14 contains the male fitting 44 of the breakaway snap featurethat mates with the male housing 46 via the rib/lip 44. This snapfeature holds the two ends of the coupling 10 together. Once enoughtensile force is placed on the coupling 10 to overcome the breakawaysnap force, the silicone valves 28, 30 will act as springs to expel thedual male adapter 52. This will discontinue flow from both free ends ofthe coupling 10.

FIG. 6 shows a completed coupling device 10, where the male and femalecomponents 16, 14 have been joined together. The valve housings 32, 48are positioned at the ends of the coupling device 10 and the outer endsof the valve housings 32, 48 are used for coupling to tubing 50 in afeeding system 12, or other system. The valve housings 32, 48 may beclear and the male component housing 46 and female receptacle addition34 may be opaque, although any of the components could be opaque orclear, if desired.

FIGS. 7-10 depict how the coupling device 10 of FIGS. 2-6 is assembled.They also show the straight flow path 26 that is created through thecenter of the coupling device 10. FIG. 7 shows the first valve 28 beingcoupled to the end of the male component 16 and the second valve 30coupled to the female receptacle addition 34. The dual male adapter 52is positioned inside the male component housing 46 and a shoulder 62 onthe male adapter 52 is trapped inside the male housing 46 behind aninwardly protruding rib 64. The inwardly protruding rib 64 maintains themale adapter 52 in place inside the male housing 46. The opposite end 58of the male adapter 52 is shown aligned with the female receptacle 34 onthe female component 14.

FIG. 8 shows the second end 58 of the male adapter 52 being compressedagainst and inserted into the slit valve 38 of the female component 14.The end 58 of the male adapter 52 enters the slit 40 and is pushedentirely through the slit 40 until the opening of the adapter 52 ispositioned inside a cavity inside the valve housing 32. This allowsfluid to flow through the second valve 30 and through the dual maleadapter 52 in a straight flow path.

FIG. 9 depicts the first end 56 of the male adapter 52 inserted into andthrough the first valve 28. As with the second end 58 of the maleadapter 52, the first end 56 is inserted into the slit 40 in the firstvalve 28 until the first end 56 of the male adapter 52 enters the cavityinside the valve housing 48. In this position, the coupling device 10 isstill not completely closed, although the flow path 26 has beenestablished.

FIG. 10 depicts the male and female components 16, 14 coupled togetherwith the fittings 42, 66 at the end of the male component 16 and femalecomponent 14 mated together. The male component 16 includes an inwardlydefined rib 68 at the end thereof and the female component 14 includesan outwardly defined rib 44 at the end thereof. The flexibility of theparts allows a user to press them together until they snap intoposition. This connection can be broken away with the application ofsufficient force. Other types of connections may also be utilized, asknown by those of skill in the art.

FIGS. 12-20 depict an alternative example coupling device 10 that issimilar to the device disclosed above, but includes a duckbill valve 70instead of a slit valve 38. A duckbill valve 70 is similar to a slitvalve in that it accepts an object through the opening in the valve andself seals around the object. When the object is removed from the valve,the valve automatically closes itself.

Referring to FIG. 12, a female component 14 of the coupling device 10 isshown. The female component 14 includes a housing 72 that is formed oftwo parts that mate together in any known manner, such as via adhesiveor welding. The housing 72 may be made of a molded rigid plastic orother material. The female housing 72 includes internally disposed ribs74 for accepting a duckbill valve 70 and a channel 76 for accepting partof the male adapter 52. In addition, the female component 14 is providedwith a channel 78 at a free end thereof for attachment to tubing 50. Theduckbill valve 70 may be made of molded silicone or other materials.

FIG. 13 shows the female component 14 in an assembled configuration. Theduckbill valve 70 is positioned inside the housing 72 and an opening 80is provided in the female component 14 adjacent the valve opening. Thefemale component 14 has a fitting 42 for coupling with a male component16 in a breakaway manner, similar to that discussed above in connectionwith FIGS. 2-11.

FIGS. 14 and 15 depict a male component 16 of the alternative examplecoupling 10. The male component 16 includes a male housing 46 that isformed of two halves that are joined together in any conventionalmanner. The housing 46 is made of a molded rigid plastic or othermaterials. The male housing 46 includes an interior, radially definedrib 74 for accepting a duckbill valve 70 in the interior of the housing46. The male housing 46 also includes a chamber 82 that houses a spring84 that is used to bias a dual male adapter 52 into an uninstalledposition. The dual male adapter 52 shown is similar to that discussedabove and includes two outwardly extending radial shoulders 62 and anelongated body with a passageway extending through the length thereof.

FIG. 15 shows the dual male adapter 52 and duckbill valve 70 installedin the male housing 46. The first end 56 of the dual male adapter 52 isassociated with the duckbill valve 70 and the second end 58 of theadapter 52 is shown as free, but will be utilized for joining with thefemale component 14 of FIGS. 12/13. The first shoulder 62 on the dualmale adapter 52 is positioned behind an internal rib 64 of the housing46 in order to hold the adapter 52 in place inside the housing 46.

FIGS. 16-19 depict the mating of the male and female components 16, 14of the alternative example coupling device 10. FIGS. 16-17 show the maleand female components 16, 14 before insertion of the dual male adapter52 into the female component 14. The duckbill valves 70 are positionedinside the male and female components 16, 14 and the spring 84 ispositioned around the first end 56 of the dual male adapter 52. The malecomponent 16 has a female receptacle 66 at the opening thereof forcoupling with a male adapter 42 defined at the end of the femalecomponent 14 in a breakaway manner. The female component 14 has anoutwardly extending rib 44 for mating with the male component 16. Whilea snap connection is shown, other connections, such as screw threads,press fit, or the like, could also be used.

FIGS. 18-19 depict the male and female components 16, 14 in a fullymated configuration. As shown, the ends 56, 58 of the dual male adapter52 extend through both duckbill valves 70 in order to provide a straightflow path 26 through the coupling 10. Tubing 50 may be coupled at eitherend of the coupling 10. The male and female fittings 42, 66 are coupledtogether in a breakaway manner such that they can pull apart upon theexertion of sufficient force to the coupling 10. The breakaway force canbe varied by varying the shape and size of the fittings 42, 66, forexample. When the coupling 10 is broken away, the female component 14separates from the male component 16 and the second end 58 of the dualmale adapter 52 is removed from the female component 14 duckbill valve70. Because of its design, the duckbill valve 70 automatically closeswhen the male adapter 52 is removed from the female component valve 30.Then, because the second end 58 of the dual male adapter 52 is freed,the spring 84 pushes against the shoulder 62 on the dual male adapter 52and forces it out of the male component valve 28. This removes the firstend 56 of the dual male adapter 52 from the duckbill valve 70 in themale component 16 and the duckbill valve 70 automatically closes. Thus,as is evident, when the coupling 10 is broken away, both valves 28, 30will automatically close and no fluid may flow from the food source 20or from the patient's system 24.

FIG. 20 shows the dual male adapter 52 positioned in a duckbill valve70. The dual male adapter 52 has a straight flow path 26 through thecenter thereof and the duckbill valve 70 forms a tight seal around theend of the dual male adapter 52

The coupling apparatus comprises a first component including a firstnon-mechanical valve, a second component including a secondnon-mechanical valve, and a third component having a first end forcoupling with the first valve and a second end for coupling with thesecond valve. The third component has an elongated bore such that whenthe first end is coupled to the first valve and the second end iscoupled to the second valve, a passageway is defined therethrough. Thepassageway may have a straight flow path.

The third component may include a housing having a first half and asecond half and a dual male adapter positioned inside the housing. Thefirst component includes a first housing and the first valve, and thesecond component includes a second housing and the second valve. Atleast one of the first and second housings has a fitting for fixedlyaxially coupling with the third component housing.

At least one of the first and second components includes a femalereceptacle for mating with the dual male adapter. The first and secondvalves are resilient, self-sealing members. Each of the resilientsealing members has a slit in one end thereof that extends through theresilient member and allows the ends of the third component to penetratethe respective sealing member. The first and second valves are duckbillvalves or slit valves.

The dual male adapter is elongated and the first end is for insertinginto and through the first valve. The second end of the dual maleadapter is for inserting into and through the second valve. The dualmale adapter includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion on anexterior surface thereof. The protrusions are for mating with surfacesdefined in at least the third component housing for maintaining at leastpart of the dual male adapter inside the third component housing. Thedual male adapter is movable in the third component housing.

The third component housing includes a snap surface and the housing ofthe adjoining component has a snap surface. The snap surfaces, whenjoined together, can be broken away from one another to release thethird component from the adjoining component. The first component may besecured to the third component with welding, adhesive, or a fitting. Thesecond component may be secured to the third component with a fitting.

The third component includes a third housing having a first half and asecond half and a dual male adapter positioned inside the third housing.The first component is integral with the third component, and the secondcomponent includes a second housing having a first half and a secondhalf and the second valve. The second housing has a fitting for fixedlyaxially coupling with the third component housing. The fitting is abreakaway fitting, the first and second valves are duckbill valves. Acoil spring is positioned inside the third component housing and biasesthe dual male adapter into an uninstalled position.

In another example, a coupling apparatus comprises a first componenthaving a first non-mechanical valve, a second component having a secondnon-mechanical valve, and a third component having a first end forcoupling with the first valve and a second end for coupling with thesecond valve to establish fluid flow therethrough. The third componentis detachable from one or more of the first and second components uponthe exertion of sufficient force. When one or both of the first andsecond components are detached from the third component, the first andsecond valves automatically close.

Fluid flow therethrough may be along a centrally disposed, axial flowpath. The first and second valves are duckbill valves or slit valves.

In another example, an automatic shutoff breakaway component for amedical fluid device comprises a male component attachable to tubing forreceiving a fluid and a dual male adapter coupled to the male component.The dual male adapter has a first end and a second end. The automaticshutoff breakaway component also includes a valve coupled to the malecomponent 16 and to one end of the dual male adapter. The valve ispositioned between the tubing and the dual male adapter.

The valve may be integral with the male component and the male componenthas a fitting for coupling with another part. A female component may becoupled with the male component. The female component has an opening forreceiving the other end of the dual male adapter and includes a secondvalve for mating with the dual male adapter end.

The term “substantially,” if used herein, is a term of estimation.

While various features are presented above, it should be understood thatthe features may be used singly or in any combination thereof. Further,it should be understood that variations and modifications may occur tothose skilled in the art to which the claimed examples pertain. Theexamples described herein are exemplary. The disclosure may enable thoseskilled in the art to make and use alternative designs havingalternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements recited inthe claims. The intended scope may thus include other examples that donot differ or that insubstantially differ from the literal language ofthe claims. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly defined as setforth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A coupling apparatus comprising; a first housing;a second housing; a non-mechanical valve; and a component having a firstend and a second end; wherein: the first housing and the second housingare coupled to, and separable from, each other; the second housinghouses the non-mechanical valve and the component; at least one of thefirst end of the component or the second end of the component is forcoupling with the non-mechanical valve; the component has an elongatedbore such that when the first end of the component or the second end ofthe component is coupled to the non-mechanical valve, a passageway isdefined therethrough; the component comprises a dual male adapter and atleast one of the first and second housings includes a female receptaclefor mating with the dual male adapter; and the dual male adapter iselongated and at least one of the first end of the component or thesecond end of the component is for inserting into, and through, thenon-mechanical valve.
 2. The coupling apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefirst housing has a first fitting on at least one end thereof and thesecond housing has a second fitting on at least one end thereof, and thefirst housing is coupled to the second housing via the joining of thefirst and second fittings.
 3. The coupling apparatus of claim 2, whereinthe dual male adapter is positioned inside the first and the secondhousings, and the first and second fittings are for axially coupling thefirst and second housings together.
 4. The coupling apparatus of claim1, wherein the first housing is removable from and rejoinable with thesecond housing.
 5. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the first housing isremovable from the second housing via the application of a prescribedlevel of force.
 6. The coupling apparatus of claim 1, wherein thenon-mechanical valve is a resilient, self-sealing member.
 7. Thecoupling apparatus of claim 6, wherein the resilient, self-sealingmember has a slit in one end thereof that extends therethrough andallows at least one of the first end of the component or the second endof the component to penetrate the respective sealing member.
 8. Thecoupling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the non-mechanical valve is aduckbill valve or a slit valve.
 9. The coupling apparatus of claim 1,wherein the passageway has a straight flow path that is substantiallyfree from voids that could allow stagnation of any part of a fluidtraveling through the passageway.
 10. The coupling apparatus of claim 1,wherein the component is maintained in the second housing when the firstand second housings are separated from one another.
 11. A couplingapparatus comprising; a first housing; a second housing; anon-mechanical valve; and a component having a first end and a secondend; wherein: the first housing and the second housing are coupled to,and separable from, each other; the second housing houses thenon-mechanical valve and the component; at least one of the first end ofthe component or the second end of the component is for coupling withthe non-mechanical valve; the component has an elongated bore such thatwhen the first end of the component or the second end of the componentis coupled to the non-mechanical valve, a passageway is definedtherethrough; the component comprises a dual male adapter and at leastone of the first and second housings includes a female receptacle formating with the dual male adapter; and the dual male adapter includes afirst protrusion and a second protrusion on an exterior surface thereof,said protrusions for mating with surfaces defined in the second housingfor retaining the dual male adapter inside the second housing, and thedual male adapter is axially movable in the second housing.
 12. Acoupling apparatus comprising; a first housing; a second housing; anon-mechanical valve; and a component having a first end and a secondend; wherein: the first housing and the second housing are coupled to,and separable from, each other; the second housing houses thenon-mechanical valve and the component; at least one of the first end ofthe component or the second end of the component is for coupling withthe non-mechanical valve; the component has an elongated bore such thatwhen the first end of the component or the second end of the componentis coupled to the non-mechanical valve, a passageway is definedtherethrough; the component comprises a dual male adapter and at leastone of the first and second housings includes a female receptacle formating with the dual male adapter; and the component is axially movablein the second housing, such that: (i) when the first housing and thesecond housing are coupled to each other at least one of the first endof the component or the second end of the component is inserted into,and through, the non-mechanical valve; and (ii) when the first andsecond housings are separated from one another (a) the component ismaintained in the second housing, (b) the component moves axially, and(c) the at least one of the first end of the component or the second endof the component is withdrawn from the non-mechanical valve.
 13. Thecoupling apparatus of claim 12, wherein the component includes a firstprotrusion and a second protrusion on an exterior surface thereof, saidprotrusions for mating with surfaces defined in the second housing forretaining the component inside the second housing.